Broad broke no laws - Gilchrist

Stuart Broad's much-debated decision not to walk during the first Investec Ashes Test has been supported by former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist.

Gilchrist was famed as a 'walker' during his career, most significantly during the 2003 World Cup semi-final. Despite that, Gilchrist believes the Englishman was well within his rights - and the rules of cricket - to hold his ground after he got a thick edge to to slip on day three at Trent Bridge.

"My view on the whole incident is Stuart Broad has clearly made it evident that he is not a walker and I don't think anyone needs to look too much deeper into it," Gilchrist told BBC Radio Five's Sportsweek programme.

"Stuart or anyone who has stood before has not broken any laws of the game. He's just simply waited for an umpire to make a decision and then accepted that decision. That's up to him. In this day and age it is no surprise to see a batsman not walk."

The incident has prompted fierce debate about whether Broad contravened the spirit of the game, if not the laws, but Gilchrist believes it ought not to have.

"The spirit of cricket and the spirit of the game can mean different things in different parts of the world and cultures," he said. "Certainly you don't need to judge someone's character. It's one of those anomalies around cricket that will go on forever.

"The big question now is you have to be careful, if you play like that, when one goes against you with ball in hand - please don't carry on too much about it. You do have to move on."

Gilchrist was himself criticised for choosing to walk during his career, with his decision to walk off in that World Cup semi-final against Sri Lanka stirring emotions Down Under.

"It's an individual choice. That was where I was at," he said.

"I felt players should be and can be in more control of the match in the way it is played. Anyone who plays the game needs to be comfortable with the way they go about it."

When cricket lovers wake on Thursday, they will be consumed with excitement. A concoction of nerves, energy and enthusiasm overcome in readiness for the first day of the Australian Test summer. For Australian and English supporters, there is extra emotion attached for an Ashes series.

Australia captain Michael Clarke was a relieved man after hitting his 8th ODI century in an 88-run win over England at Old Trafford as he played a key role in his first victory over a Test nation in seven months.